Snow on Christmas

Malta's warm embrace

The plane began its descent, and Liora's heart fluttered as she caught her first glimpse of Malta through the small airplane window. The island spread below her like a painting: golden stone buildings nestled against the vibrant blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The sight was breathtaking, yet her thoughts kept drifting to the charm Ash had returned to her just before the flight.

She reached into her pocket, feeling its familiar crescent shape, the tiny cat reaching for the dangling star. Holding it steadied her, her mind racing from the upcoming landing. This time it also reminded her of Ash and her determination to return it left an impression. Liora glanced around the crowded cabin, wondering if Ash could see the view from wherever she was seated.

Ash, meanwhile, sat a few rows behind her, caught between two strangers who were immersed in their in-flight routines. Her legs were cramped, her mind restless. The image of Liora's relieved smile when she'd handed over the charm was etched into her thoughts. Ash chuckled to herself softly, thinking of how Liora had thanked her, stumbling over her words but with a warmth that Ash had felt in her chest.

She stared at the tray table in front of her, trying not to let her nerves show. "What am I even doing?" she thought. "I barely know her, but I'm following her across Europe. In Malta she wants to hang out with her friends and not with me. What did I thought would happen?"

The plane touched down with a jolt, snapping both women from their thoughts. As the passengers applauded, Liora straightened her back and took a deep breath. The familiar sounds of landing filled the cabin—seatbelts clicking, overhead compartments opening, the shuffle of people gathering their belongings. It reminded her of one important thing. They landed and would be safe for now.

Liora craned her neck, searching for Ash in the sea of passengers slowly filing out. When their eyes met across the cabin, Ash gave her a small, reassuring smile. Liora returned it, her chest tightening as she realized how much she appreciated having Ash nearby, even in silence. She was so excited to show all her favourite places in Valletta and nearby. "Maybe she's even up for a challenge", she thought to herself, which brightened her smile. "The next days are going to be so much fun, and I will get to know her better."

As they got off the plane and into the bus to the terminal, they were still far away from each other. Pressed against strangers they had to try their best not to lose balance. They just met again inside the terminal on their way to the exit.

"How was the flight?" Ash asked with a relieved smile, glad to be closer to Liora again.

Liora returned the smile and chuckled softly. "It was better than the last one, that much is sure."

Ash laughed lightly. "I'm glad I could find you in the end and managed to return your charm."

"Not to forget the journal", Liora added with a grateful grin. They stepped onto the escalator together, the hum of the airport fading into the background as they descended.

Near the exit, Ash noticed two women standing behind a barrier, holding up a large handwritten sign that read "Liora Moreau." Their faces lit up when they spotted their friend, and they began waving enthusiastically.

Ash hesitated, her steps faltering as she took in the scene. Those must be her friends, she thought. She glanced at the women, one with light brown, shoulder-length hair and the other with long, dark brown locks cascading to her hips. Both had hazel eyes and shared the same facial structure, clearly sisters.

Liora caught sight of the sign and the two women behind it. Her face lit up, and she moved forward quickly. "Rita! Toni!" she exclaimed, leaning over the barrier to hug them both tightly.

Ash hung back, her feet rooted to the spot. Shyness wasn't something she was used to feeling, but the unfamiliar country, the new faces, and the vibrant energy of Liora's reunion left her feeling awkward and out of place.